Report: Possible Cover-Up of Sex and Drugs at the State Department

An internal memo reveals that the State Department “covered up” allegations of illegal behavior by its security officials, including sexual assault and solicitation of prostitution, according to a report by CBS News.

Many of the allegations were against members of the Diplomatic Security Service and include drug abuse and “endemic” engagement with prostitutes while on official trips.

But some of the allegations were also against ambassadors. From the CBS report:

The State Department Inspector General's memo refers to the 2011 investigation into an ambassador who "routinely ditched ... his protective security detail" and inspectors suspect this was in order to "solicit sexual favors from prostitutes."

Sources told CBS News that after the allegations surfaced, the ambassador was called to Washington, D.C. to meet with Undersecretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy, but was permitted to return to his post.

Read more about how the State Department handled the damaging memo at CBS News.

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Founded in 1981, the Project On Government Oversight is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that champions good government reforms. POGO’s investigations into corruption, misconduct, and conflicts of interest achieve a more effective, accountable, open, and ethical federal government.